Jakarta – The government has confirmed that law enforcement against fraudulent practices such as adulterated rice will be carried out firmly and comprehensively. This action is part of the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the national food distribution system and protecting the public from irresponsible practices that can be detrimental both economically and health-wise.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has instructed Attorney General ST Burhanuddin and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to investigate the adulterated rice case. President Prabowo emphasized that adulterated rice constitutes fraud and a crime that must be prosecuted by law enforcement.
“I ask the Attorney General and the Chief of Police to investigate and take action. This is a crime,” President Prabowo asserted at the launch of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative in Klaten, Central Java.
The recently uncovered case of adulterated rice has raised public awareness of the need for strict supervision of the distribution channels of staple foods, especially rice as a strategic commodity that is greatly needed by all levels of society.
This disclosure shows that there are still parties who are trying to profit through illegal means, namely by mixing low-quality or even unfit-for-consumption rice with high-quality rice, then selling it at a premium price.
The government views this type of practice as a form of consumer fraud and a serious violation of the law. Besides causing material losses, adulterated rice also has the potential to negatively impact public health if the ingredients are unhygienic or contaminated.
Therefore, legal proceedings against the perpetrators will not only target administrative and trade aspects, but will also investigate possible violations in the field of food safety.
The Indonesian Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has begun investigating the adulterated rice case, which is causing the state nearly Rp 100 trillion in annual losses, as directed by President Prabowo Subianto. The AGO is also ready to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies.
The Head of the Attorney General’s Office’s Information Center, Anang Supriatna, expressed his commitment to enforcing the law within his authority.
“Yes, because the Attorney General’s Office is part of the law enforcement apparatus, we are committed. We will carry out the President’s order, of course, in accordance with its duties and authority. In this case, we will first study and assess the scope of this matter,” Anang explained.
The government’s decisive action in handling this case also reflects its commitment to farmers as the primary rice producers. Adulteration practices not only harm consumers but also undermine the hard work of farmers who strive to produce the highest quality rice.
